Everybody Walk Across PA - Spring 2026 Week 7 Newsletter

Hopefully, Memorial Day weekend will bring perfect weather for a hike or bike ride! Before hitting the trail, remember food safety. The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) (n.d.) recommends packing shelf-stable snacks or cold foods for a day's hike.

Good energy-packed shelf-stable options include dried fruit, nuts, beef jerky, or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. If you prefer a picnic lunch, you can also bring cold food safely. Choose items that are frozen or refrigerated before you head out. To keep them cold during your hike or bike ride, use frozen gel packs or frozen bottles of drinks, which will thaw on the trail while keeping your lunch cool and safe.

Along with food, plan for drinks. Bring your own refillable water bottle and refill it from a public water system. Do not drink from natural sources, such as lakes and streams, that may contain dangerous pathogens (disease-causing organisms), even when the water appears clean.

Before lunch, FSIS (n.d.) recommends washing your hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Also, keep in mind the Temperature Danger Zone, 40°F to 140°F, is where bacteria grow quickly. Bacteria can reach unsafe levels after 2 hours in this danger zone (1 hour on hot days). After your hike, throw away any uneaten cold foods for safety.

Reference

Food Safety and Inspection Service. (n.d.). Food Safety while Hiking, Camping, and Boating  

Photo Scavenger Hunt

Master Gardener Tip: What are riparian buffers? 

A riparian buffer is simply a planted area along a stream or waterway that helps slow down water runoff from neighboring properties, whether they are fields, developments, or industrial parks.

Riparian buffers filter water as it runs through the plantings before it hits the stream. Riparian buffers reduce erosion, provide habitat for wildlife, and provide shade to the stream, keeping the water cool for fish. If a stream or waterway runs through your property or neighborhood, consider planting a riparian buffer. Talk to your community leaders to encourage buffer plantings. To learn more, read this article on Riparian Buffers for Wildlife.

Recipe of the Week

Quinoa with Lime If you are looking to incorporate more whole grains into your diet, try this yummy recipe for quinoa with lime.

Resource Highlight

Healthy and Safe Picnics. Here are some tips on how to make sure your next picnic is both healthy and safe!

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Let's Cook at Home: Charcuterie Boards Learn how to make a charcuterie board for a fun meal or appetizer with friends and family!

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Let's Cook at Home: Plant-Based Learn to prepare healthy plant-based meals, plan a balanced diet, and apply simple cooking techniques to add more plant foods to your daily routine.

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